I'm living in (near) Seattle and looking forward to maybe getting an NHL team. Talked with James Mirtle on Twitter about it the other day, and he compared it to Raleigh. Curious as to how valid some NC natives think that comparison is. There are obviously some key differences:

Hockey participation in WA is higher than NC, but not by much

Seattle is bigger, but Raleigh probably has closer 'other' large population centers

Similar tech company influences.

Relatively high income areas nearby

The Hurricanes obviously have less pro-sports competition

But probably more college sports competition

Seattle is set up with a nearby rival (Vancouver), I don't know that the Canes have a rival even now (Maybe the Capitals?)